Mount Erek (Erek Dağı) is the snow-streaked mountain that dominates the eastern horizon from Van. It is an extinct volcano rising to 3,204 metres, and the eastern slopes are dotted with summer pastures used by Kurdish shepherds bringing their flocks up from the valleys in June.
A rough track climbs much of the way up the western side, and the upper slopes hold a small ski centre with a couple of basic lifts (open from December to March, depending on snow). Outside winter, walking the high alpine meadows is the main draw — particularly in early summer, when the wildflowers are out. There is no entrance fee, but no facilities either; come prepared.